Japanese Game Show Rip-Offs Are So Hot

By Eriq Gardner

As reported in today's THR, Japanese television network Tokyo Broadcasting System is suing ABC over "Wipeout," claiming that it's a "rip-off" of several of its successful game show formats.

Here's the complaint on that one.

Japanese-inspired game shows have been a ratings success in the U.S. this television season. But don't expect Fox to be similarly sued over "Hole in the Wall," a remake of a Japanese game show called “Human Tetris." Sources say that Fuji TV sold the concept to FremantleMedia, which developed the program for Fox, probably putting them in the clear. Freemantle ditched the better Tetris title, maybe wisely out of trademark concerns.